Anybody have muscle spasms with Xanax Withdrawal

[Izzray]

Hi everyone!  I have a quick question regarding Xanax withdrawal symptoms.  I'm 58 years old, had a pacemaker inplanted in Jan 2010.  Doc put me on Xanax for anxiety and I have just recently tapered down until I took my last dose last Saturday night.  I'm doing okay except I am having some pretty severe muscle spasms in the  area surrounding my pacemaker.  Has anybody else experienced anything like this?  I can't sleep or relax because all of a sudden  out of nowhere BAM a muscle spasm.  And they certainly get your attention in the chest area.  I have been to my cardiologist several times and he assures me it it not the pacemaker malfuntioning and that sometimes it takes a while for spasms to stop.  But here's the deal.  I didn't really notice the spasms until I started tapering off the Xanax so I'm wondering if it could be withdrawal symptoms from that.

I would tremendously appreciate any comments.

Thanks . . .

[MrGreen]

I would wonder if it could be rebound anxiety. Known to happen when you come off various types of medication. Bit like an aftershock after an earthquake. Can occur for a short period of time. Talking maybe two to three weeks. Having the pacemaker wouldn't help any. I think that would make you a bit more nervous. My late father had one and used to always say his stopped. He used to hit his chest and say ' working again '. What an idiot. ( LOL ) Bless him. Any roads. The rebound anxiety is just another guess. Which is all we can all really do come the end of the day.

[29sillygirl]

Agree with MMahon.  Wondered if your doctor said you should stop taking Xanax, or if you simply felt it was time.  Some docs are uncomfortable with having patient on this med for more than 3 months.

Certainly having the pacemaker to adjust to, and all that went into decision to have one presented you with a seriously stressful time.  If you have any Xanax I would do as MMahon advised: take whatever your dose was and see.  And of course keep your doctor posted.  Was he the one who recommended Xanax? If your problems continue, I'd check in with psychiatrist to see what an expert has to say about this.

As far as spasms being a symptom of withdrawal, It is possible.  Xanax is a relaxing agent: your body could be reacting to being without it.   I wouldn't even mention this except your doctor has cleared the pacemaker as being cause.

Good luck.  Know this is scary, but you have checked with heart doc and now all that remains is to treat possible withdrawal symptoms.        Keep in  touch.  Post anytime you want.  One of us is always around to respond.

[MMahon]

I haven't seen where muscle spasm are a withdrawal symptom of xanax.  I wouldn't rule it out tho.  What you describe could be anxiety symptoms however. Many people have chest pains, etc.. Having a recent pacemaker implanted certainly makes things more complicated and certainly enhances the stress levels I bet.
If your cardiologist says the pacemaker is ok then I guess you have to believe him.
Did you taper off the xanax?  Maybe you still need them
Best way to find out one way or another is to take the xanax and if the  muscle spasms dissappear you have your answer.
Good luck and let us know how you make out.